A group of North Carolina lawmakers recently noted the benefits of securing a $47 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant to preserve the state’s rail corridor.
Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Burr (R-NC) joined Reps. David Price (D-NC) and G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) in outlining how the Department of Transportation (DOT) funding allotment purchases the S-Line rail corridor from Raleigh, North Carolina to Ridgeway, North Carolina to preserve the corridor for future passenger service.
“Preserving our rail systems is crucial to future tourism, and economic growth and this funding will help ensure the S-Line in Eastern North Carolina is secure for generations to come,” Tillis said. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to secure this grant, and I will continue to prioritize improving infrastructure across our great state of North Carolina.”
Burr said the grant is a win for North Carolina’s rail system.
“The S-Line currently serves as the missing link to the Southeast Corridor,” he said. “This grant will be used to purchase the right of way to not only improve passenger rail access but expand freight services in the state. I applaud (DOT) Secretary Chao for recognizing the importance of this project to North Carolina’s economic development.”
Per Price developing intercity passenger rail service along the S-Line corridor improves mobility, bolsters safety, and reduces highway congestion between Raleigh and Richmond.